The World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have initiated a groundbreaking energy initiative at the Africa Energy Summit 2025, aimed at ensuring electricity access for 300 million Africans by the year 2030.

The summit is set to occur on January 27–28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Analysts believe that this summit will represent a significant milestone in the pursuit of universal energy access, with the Mission 300 initiative targeting the provision of electricity to 300 million individuals across Africa by 2030.

“The time to act is now,” declared Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank Director of Infrastructure for West Africa, during a media briefing on Thursday.  

“Mission 300 represents not just an ambitious target but a movement… creating a lasting impact that will power Africa’s growth and enable millions to access essential services electricity provides.” 

Launched in April 2024, Mission 300 represents a collaborative initiative involving the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and various global partners. Its primary objective is to address the alarming fact that nearly 600 million Africans, which constitutes 83% of the global population lacking electricity, continue to live without power.

The two-day summit will conclude with the signing of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, wherein African governments commit to enhancing energy access, fostering the adoption of renewable energy, and encouraging private sector investments.

Countries participating in the summit, such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Côte d’Ivoire, will commit to reforms in five essential areas:

  • Low-Cost Power Generation: Increasing the production of affordable electricity.
  • Regional Energy Integration: Improving cross-border energy trade to mitigate risks and boost efficiency.
  • Increased Energy Access: Expanding services to rural and underserved populations.
  • Private Sector Investment: Establishing a favorable environment for private capital.
  • Utility Strengthening: Upgrading and reinforcing the resilience of national utilities.
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and The Rockefeller Foundation have pledged $10 million to create a technical assistance facility aimed at energy projects across 11 African countries. Financial entities such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are anticipated to introduce new investment mechanisms to enhance private sector participation in distributed renewable energy initiatives.

“This initiative is remarkable for its collaborative approach,” stated Sarvesh Suri, IFC Director for Infrastructure in Africa. “Organizations are joining forces to achieve this ambitious goal.”

Mission 300’s approach combines traditional grid expansion with off-grid solutions specifically designed for remote regions. It emphasizes sustainable financing strategies while tackling significant issues like currency mismatches in project financing.

The summit will also showcase successful energy development initiatives, foster a coalition of stakeholders to expedite investments, and enhance frameworks for regional power planning and trade.

Daniel Schroth, Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, underscored the critical need for prompt action.

The Africa Energy Summit is expected to draw a distinguished audience, including 13 African Heads of State, international development partners, philanthropists, leaders from the private sector, and financial institutions. Together, they will explore strategies to expand energy access and hasten the continent’s shift towards clean and affordable energy. Over 1,000 attendees are expected at the Africa Energy Summit 2025.